Doei!

Well, it's time to say "DOEI" to my 5 week immersion in A'dam. My bags are semi-packed and I think everything will fit. Hooray! It's been a wonderful experience and I will be leaving with a wealth of experiences that I will never forget! Yes, I am truly blessed with such an amazing experience. I've been in 4 countries in a really short time: Norway, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, been shat on twice by those damn pigeons, rode countless trains, seen some unbelievable design, seen some unbelievable cities, and took over 500 photos to remember it all. It was fun to meet many "single-serving" friends and also meet some that I know I can call friends. Thank you for all your love and support. See ya back in the US of A. Until next time......♥Winnie

Arnhem Mode Biënnale

This event is held every 2 years and presents the state of affairs in fashion design. It is being held for the rest of the month and was about an 1.5 hr train ride from Amsterdam. Apparently I was really inspired since I just downloaded my pictures and took over 100 shots. The exhibit is in the heart of Arnhem staged between a church and the post-war city hall along with fashion shows (which I'm not cool enough to attend), exhibitions, workshops and a shopping route. I've never seen couture up close and personal, so this was a very special treat for me. Makes me really respect fashion designers and their art form. Ok...here are the pics....like I said I have over 100 images, so these are extremely edited. Enjoy! ♥Winnie

BTW--I come home on Sunday! Also, don't forget to comment on of my postings. I would LOVE to hear from you. Also, click on the images for a closer look.

Comme des Garçons' fantasy exhibit.

This designer used blue ink on fabric and created this.

United Nude....I love the little guy they used for this display.

This jacket is made out of leather. WOW!!!!

Illuminated color and layers. GORGEOUS!

G-Star....this was a little too avant garde for me.

One of my new favorite cities

I had the opportunity to hop on a train for 2 hours from A'dam and go to the city of Antwerp in Belgium. I HEART this city! Great retail shops, architecture, super nice gorgeous looking people, great beer and food. This is the story about the city: Ever since 6 Antwerp-based designers took Fashion Week by storm in 1986, the city has become renowned as the style capital of Belgium, retaining its influential fashion school and the MoMu fashion museum (which I didn't get to see because I only had the day, will definitely come back again.)

This is the most beautiful train station I have ever been to, I love Antwerp already.

I went to mainly check out this so called AMAZING retail experience. This was what I found: a store called Walter. When we walked up to the store we thought it was closed, but as soon as we walked close enough to the entrance the huge garage doors opened up. It was quite the experience in a amazing, industrial gallery like setting.

What do you call this trompe l'oeil?

Obama bar in Belgium, yes we can! It wasn't open the afternoon we were walking by, bummer.

Gorgeous cathedral

Perfect end of the day with KJ, sunshine and a Belgium beer, which was devine and cheap!

My internet claim to fame

My pictures made it onto the Nylon magazine blog. CCCCChhhheck it out, here.

100% Design Rotterdam

I've been seeing a lot of designers using really low-grade materials, like this plywood table. I think everyone is more conscious of how and what they use. Green isn't a trend anymore, it effects every sector.

I heart the patterns/weave on this chair.

I love the colors of this bookcase.

Super tactile floor covering. Modern shag?

Interesting chair shape.

This is where the event was held, The Van Nelle Design factory. Super cool!

I also got to get a chance to get out of the city last Thursday and got on a train to Rotterdam. The city was basically flattened in WWII and has since rebuild so it has a really modern, "Chicago" feel to it with tall (tall for the Netherlands) skyscrapers. Anyway, I went to the 100% Design Rotterdam event with my co-worker which was held at an industrial site. (see above pic) and all around the city at different locations. Overall a decent show and a great way to see what's going on in some parts of the industry.

Kröller-Müller Museum

There's supposedly 400 bikes at each entrance of the park for visitors to use. I love the Netherlands.

KJ and I at the entrance. Yes, it's a little rainy, but that didn't stop us. It cleared up later.

KP telling us about the Rodin sculpture, Femme accroupie 1882.

World famous sculpture gardens.

We actually made it into the museum at 4:40 after enjoying the sculpture garden all afternoon, but then they told us the museum closed at 5. So frustrating seeing all the masterpieces in 20 minutes. I guess I'll have to go back one day.

It was nice to get out of the city today with my friends KJ and KP. We took a little trip to the Kröller-Müller Museum located about an hour outside Amsterdam. It was so luxurious to ride in a car since I've been riding a lot of public transportation the last month. Can't believe I'm saying that, but it's true. I'll definitely look at driving in a different way when I get back. That's a whole other post. The museum is in the midst of unspoiled natural surroundings and houses a magnificent a cool collection of art, architecture and nature. Known for the extensive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh and the world famous sculpture garden. Enjoy!

Victimless Leather

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